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This gardening tool was created as an exercise in inclusive design, ensuring that the needs of individuals with disabilities are considered. In this case the focus was on tackling the challenges that comes with arthritis.
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Pen and Paper, Physical Prototyping Tools
problem
Gardening is a task that uses requires fine motor skills, stability and strength. This causes a barrier to entry for those with disabilities such as arthritis.
goal
With this project I aim to help those in need to take the frst step in overcoming those barriers to entry by designing a gardening tool that lessens the stresses caused to one’s hands.
process
An important part to designing around a disability is doing research.
Alongside interviews of people with arthritis and general research, I underwent empathy tests where I limited my movent in my hands to get a better understanding of the struggles associated with limited mobility.
While this test could not replicate the pain felt by those with arthritis it helped let me gain a glimpse into the host of struggles that arose due to limited mobility
Initial 2d and 3d sketches where created. After multiple user tests where done, the most promising idea was refined which included the prototyping of an internal mechanism that would allow for the rake and handle to pivot.
Further user tests where conducted from a wide range of participants from the general public to patients with arthritis and professional gardeners. The prototype was iterated multiple times to deal with their issues and pain points.
Once the final design was settled upon an initial packaging and branding iteration was created alongside a final looks like and works like model.
